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Wood grain can be added to any door or surface with the help of a simple, hand-held tool that can be purchased at most hardware stores. You have to do your prep work before you paint a metal door to create the wood-grain look. Clean the door and apply a base coat of paint in the color of your choice. Use gel stain and a wood-graining tool to create a faux finished grain effect. This DIY project is not as complicated as you may think.

1

Remove the hardware from the door using a screwdriver. Remove hanging doors from the hinges by removing the screws that secure the door to the hinges using the screwdriver. Do not remove the screws that secure the hinges to the door frame.

2

Lay drop cloths down where you will be working. Set up two sawhorses. Lay the door across the sawhorses. Set one sawhorse under each end of the door to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed.

3

Wipe the door clean of dirt and grease using a clean cloth soaked in mineral spirits. For doors that already have a base coat of paint, proceed to Step 5.

4

Apply a base coat of paint to new, unpainted factory doors using a 6-inch foam roller. Use an angled paintbrush to apply paint to smaller areas where the roller cannot fit. Allow the paint to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

5

Beginning with the door panels, apply a thin coat of gel stain to an entire door panel using a clean, lint-free cloth. Pull the wood grain tool down the panel using a rocking motion to create the wood-grain pattern. Do not slide the tool sideways. Wipe the paint off the tool between each pull using a cloth. Use a small paintbrush to smooth out puddles and to create the wood-grain pattern in small areas where the tool does not fit.

6

Move to the larger areas of the door when the panels have been completed. Begin working in the center of the door, moving out to the edge. Repeat Step 5 to apply wood grain to the remainder of the door. Allow the door to dry for 24 hours.

7

Apply a coat of polyurethane to the door using a paintbrush. Use interior polyurethane on inside door surfaces. Use exterior polyurethane on outside door surfaces. Allow the door to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

8

Replace the hardware and re-hang the door if applicable.

Things You Will Need

Screwdriver

Drop cloths

Sawhorses

Clean cloths

Mineral spirits

Paint

6-inch roller

Paint pan

Gel stain

Lint-free cloths

Wood-graining tool

Paintbrushes

Polyurethane

Power drill

Paint thinner

Rubber gloves

Tips

A power drill can be used to remove and replace the hinge screws.

Paint thinner can be used in place of mineral spirits.

Wear rubber gloves when you are staining.

If the door does not contain panels, start from the top and work down.

If you are not satisfied with the look, apply more gel stain and begin again.

About the Author

Mona Culberson began working on the assembly line at a large manufacturing company in 1983, where she worked her way up into several positions of business responsibility. In 2005, she began a career in roofing, interior design and remodeling. She works daily as a professional painter/home remodeler/handywoman while lending her husband's roofing business a helping hand in her spare time.